Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: Which True Wireless Earbuds Are Best for You?

Comparing Powerbeats Fit and AirPods Pro 3 on design, sound, features, and more to help you pick the perfect earbuds.

When new earbuds drop, especially from iconic brands like Beats and Apple, the hype is real. Recently, Beats launched the Powerbeats Fit, an exciting update to the beloved Beats Fit Pro. Naturally, this pits them against Apple’s freshly minted AirPods Pro 3—the latest flagship in the AirPods lineup. Both designed to seamlessly connect with iPhones, these earbuds seem like cousins but cater to quite different lifestyles. So, if you’re stuck choosing between Powerbeats Fit or AirPods Pro 3, buckle up. Let’s dive into what makes each pair tick—from design and sound to battery life and smart features.

Powerbeats Fit vs AirPods Pro 3: Design and Comfort Battle

Right out of the gate, it’s clear these earbuds march to different beats.

Powerbeats Fit are pure athletes’ companions. Beats revamped the ear hooks to be more flexible and secure, locking in place during intense runs or gym sessions without a hint of wiggle. The charging case got trimmed down a bit compared to the Beats Fit Pro’s chunky original, still charging via USB-C but without wireless charging capabilities. So, no MagSafe here.

On the flip side, AirPods Pro 3 lean into premium everyday use. They sport new silicone ear tips with foam padding to boost comfort and sound isolation during long listening sessions. Apple nails the fit with a stable seal, although without ear hooks, they might not stay put as well during super intense workouts.

Apple’s charging case for AirPods Pro 3 steps up with wireless MagSafe charging and features a handy built-in speaker for Find My device support. Plus, it has a loop attachment spot for clips or straps. The AirPods Pro 3 offer five ear tip sizes (XXS, XS, S, M, L), while Powerbeats Fit skip the XXS option.

When it comes to workout stability, Powerbeats Fit hold the crown with their flexible hooks and robust build. But for all-day comfort and sleek looks, AirPods Pro 3 take the lead.

Sound Quality and ANC: A Clear Divide

Here’s where the rivalry really heats up.

Powerbeats Fit pack Apple’s H1 chip, delivering sound and active noise cancellation on par with the original AirPods Pro generation. The audio signature leans into Beats’ signature punchy bass, satisfying but not groundbreaking. Their ANC and Transparency modes are solid, cutting ambient noise well for most everyday uses.

AirPods Pro 3 upgrade to the H2 chip used in the AirPods Pro 2, but with subtle acoustic tweaks. Compared to Powerbeats Fit, the sound profile is more immersive and crisp. The ANC on these guys is seriously next-level—superior even to the AirPods Pro 2’s already impressive noise-canceling prowess.

Both earbuds support adaptive EQ that tunes audio based on your ear shape and surroundings, plus personalized spatial audio for that enveloping 3D sound experience.

If supreme sound and noise cancellation are your jam, AirPods Pro 3 are the way to go.

Battery Life Face-Off

Battery life is the make-or-break factor for many wireless earbud buyers.

Surprisingly, Powerbeats Fit and AirPods Pro 3 are neck and neck here, with slight nuances.

Powerbeats Fit offer up to 7 hours of playback on a single charge. Their charging case boosts total use up to 30 hours, perfect for those long days when you need multiple quick recharges.

AirPods Pro 3 push a bit further with 8 hours per charge, but their smaller case caps total playback time at 24 hours. So, while you get a bit more juice per earbud charge, the overall backup time is less than Powerbeats Fit.

Bottom line? AirPods Pro 3 deliver longer continuous listening, but Powerbeats Fit's case gives you more overall usage time on the go.

Fitness and Smart Features: Tailored Tech

Both earbuds share handy Apple ecosystem perks like “Hey Siri” voice activation, announcement of notifications, quick iOS pairing, automatic device switching, auto-pause when you remove an earbud, and Find My support.

But Apple’s AirPods Pro 3, sporting the newer H2 chip, unlock some extras:

• Adaptive Transparency mode that dynamically filters noise
• Live translation, a shiny new feature in iOS 26
• Lower latency for gaming and calls
• Use as clip-on mics when connected to an iPhone
• Heart rate sensor for tracking workouts independently of Apple Watch

Powerbeats Fit, with the H1 chip, are a bit more platform-friendly, especially for Android users. The Beats app offers quick pairing, widget controls, EQ customization, and location tracking.

If you crave the latest bells and whistles, AirPods Pro 3 win hands down. But for cross-platform compatibility and flexibility, Powerbeats Fit shine.

Color Choices: Style Match

Beats always knows how to bring some flavor.

While AirPods Pro 3 stick to classic white, Powerbeats Fit come in eye-catching hues like Spark Orange and Power Pink, plus gray and black options. It’s a great way to mix and match earbuds with your daily gear.

Personally, I adore that new orange—pairs perfectly with Apple’s Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro and Beats’ matching rugged cases.

Water Resistance: Ready for Sweat or Splash?

Powerbeats Fit hold an IPX4 rating, meaning they shrug off splashes and sweat. Rain? No problem. Submerging? Definitely not.

AirPods Pro 3 raise the bar with IP57 certification, surviving brief water immersion and dust ingress. So, if you’re the kind of person who sometimes accidentally tosses earbuds in the wash (hey, it happens), the AirPods Pro 3 offer more peace of mind.

What About the Powerbeats Pro 2?

If you’re feeling indecisive, there’s a third contender: Powerbeats Pro 2, released earlier this year.

These earbuds go toe-to-toe more directly with Apple’s AirPods Pro line, featuring the H2 chip, improved ANC (though not quite as sharp as AirPods Pro 3), and a heart rate sensor for workouts.

Their longer ear hooks promise ultra-secure fit for sports, though they may interfere slightly if you wear glasses. Battery life is solid: 8 hours per charge plus 36 hours extra with the case.

The downside? Though they sport the H2 chip, they currently don’t support the new live translation feature in iOS 26. They do include five silicone ear tip sizes, but without the foam padding found on AirPods Pro 3.

So, Which Should You Buy?

Let’s be real: all these earbuds are winners in their own right, each crafted with a slightly different audience in mind.

• Powerbeats Fit are perfect for runners, gym rats, and anyone who needs earbuds that won’t budge no matter how hard they move. Good sound, effective ANC for most situations, wallet-friendly price, and multiple color options make them especially appealing for Android users or those upgrading from older Beats or AirPods.
• AirPods Pro 3 are an upgrade for iPhone users seeking best-in-class sound, noise cancellation, and smart features. If workout security isn’t your top priority, but everyday luxury and tech finesse are, these are your go-to buds.
• Powerbeats Pro 2 sit between the two, offering rock-solid fit, enhanced ANC, heart rate monitoring, and long battery life—perfect for serious athletes who want top-tier performance without compromise.

Here’s a quick price snapshot (frequently discounted):

• Powerbeats Fit: $199
• Powerbeats Pro 2: $249
• AirPods Pro 3: $249

Apple and Beats have you covered no matter your lifestyle. Whether you want earbuds built for sweat and movement, sleek companions for daily life, or a bit of both, there’s a match for you.

Powerbeats Fit clearly win for workout stability, while AirPods Pro 3 lead in comfort and sound quality.

Tech Reviewer

FAQ

• Which earbuds are best for intense workouts?
  Powerbeats Fit and Powerbeats Pro 2 excel here due to their secure ear hooks and sweat resistance.
• Do AirPods Pro 3 support wireless charging?
  Yes, their case supports MagSafe wireless charging, unlike Powerbeats Fit.
• Can I use Powerbeats Fit with Android phones?
  Absolutely! The Beats app provides features like EQ customization and quick pairing on Android.
• Which earbuds have better noise cancellation?
  AirPods Pro 3 offer superior ANC compared to Powerbeats Fit.
• Is there a heart rate sensor in any of these earbuds?
  Yes, both AirPods Pro 3 and Powerbeats Pro 2 include heart rate sensors for fitness tracking.

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